Following on from the fantastic performance of the Northern Ireland football team in the 2016 Euros, the Irish FA has partnered with Hospitality Ulster to create ‘Northern Ireland Football Fan Zones’ across the province.

This will ensure everyone can experience the now famous match day atmosphere, even if they can’t attend the match.

The new ‘NI Fan Zones’ will be situated in pubs, hotels and family friendly venues, where fans will be encouraged to wear their official Northern Ireland football jerseys. Information about the official Fan Zones will be promoted on the Irish FA website and social media, so fans can easily find participating venues.

The NI Fan Zone initiative will be launched at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park before the Northern Ireland v New Zealand game on Friday 2nd June, with venue owners from across the province invited to learn about how they can become an official NI Fan Zone and experience the thrill of the game for themselves.

Speaking about the new initiative, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster, said:

“Following the heroics of the Northern Ireland football team and the incredible atmosphere created by their fans in last year’s Euros, demand for tickets is now outstripping supply.

“With more than 50,000 requests for 3,000 World Cup campaign cards, many Northern Ireland fans could miss out on the game day experience. And whilst nothing beats actually being there, the official NI Fan Zones will come a close second in providing an electrically charged atmosphere to watch the game.”

“We are sure there will be great enthusiasm for the official NI Fan Zones from both fans and those in the Hospitality sector alike.’’

Oonagh O’Reilly, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Irish FA said:

“The Titanic fanzones during the Euros proved that our fans love to share their match day experience with family and friends.

Yes there is high demand for tickets, but fans need not miss out on the live match day experience. For the away matches also our fans cannot all travel and these NI Fan Zones will be the next best thing to being there.

We’re delighted that Hospitality Ulster are working with us to create space for our fans to enjoy the games in fantastic venues across the country.”